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1998 Saturn SL Owner Comments

SL

miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle experiencing noise in the front end. Dealer could not find anything wrong and advised consumer that there is no adjustment on front brakes and the rear brakes adjust themselves. However consumer found out that the rear brakes do not adjust themselves and have to be adjusted manually. This happened 3 times. Vehicle also losing brake pedal going 2/3 of the way to floor. Dealer found left front wheel rotor was worn, consumer replaced brake pads and rotors. Problem no longer exist. Maufacturer notified.

SL

Automatic transmission

miles

Vehicle experiencing noise in the front end. Dealer could not find anything wrong and advised consumer that there is no adjustment on front brakes and the rear brakes adjust themselves. However consumer found out that the rear brakes do not adjust themselves and have to be adjusted manually. This happened 3 times. Vehicle also losing brake pedal going 2/3 of the way to floor. Dealer found left front wheel rotor was worned. Consumer replaced brake pads and rotors. The calipers were sticking and the dealer was not willing to replace it.

SL

miles

Not long after we purchased the vehicle, the brakes made noise and caused the steering wheel to vibrate upon braking. Brought in the vehicle for service and they said the rotors were warped, they cut them down. Since then the brakes have made noises and the rear wheels lockup upon initial driving daily. Each time the vehicle was brought in for regular oil changes, we complained about the noises, at 10.209 miles &16,284 miles, but they always said nothing was wrong. Now the brakes are still making noises when you first start the vehicle. Also, now the steering wheel vibrates upon braking, more at higher speeds, causing harder braking at times when quick braking is needed. Upon slow rolling stops, like coming to a light, the car surges, like the brakes are grabbing at certain points then releasing. Sometimes braking in normal city roadways, the brakes don't respond when quick braking is needed to avoid dangerous situations. It's like the brake pedal is tough to press.

SL

miles

The consumer state while driving at 40 mph and applying the brake's, the brake's went straight to the floorboard and the consumer had to pump the brake's and the vehicle slow down and came to a stop and the consumer state this is the second time the brake's has fail.

SL

miles

Please take note that the state and zip code incorect, I had to improvise as I could not filled out this questionaire and I writing from Canada. My postal code in Canada is L0L 2P0. On 21 Nov 1998, during the 35000 km(22000 miles) scheduled maintenance I reported to the dealership that the front brakes of my Saturn were pulsating when braking (my odometer reading was 22303 miles(35686 km). During the servicing the dealership discovered that both front rotors (discs) were warp and as corrective actions covered under warranty, the fronts brake pads were sanded, both front rotors were machined and both front calipers were serviced. Base on our driving habits (85 % hwy driving) and considering the last 5 vehicles I drove I find this situation rather abnormal on a brand new car. On 17 Aug 1999, at 60662 km (37913 miles) same probleme reoccured I reported to the dealership that my front brakes were pulsating. The service manager suggested that the rottors be machined again to which I refused as it is not cover under waranty anymore. I indicated to him that it is abnormal that the rotors warp like this. Is answer was that in accordance with Saturn there is no problem or any defect with brakes component. I have raise my concerns higher within the Saturn companie in Canada but it seem they wash their hand and shift the blame on atmospheric condition and our driving habits. I have researched in your database and I have foud that there were svc bulletins # 96-T-40 a, (NHTSA item # SB049187) and svc bulletin #98-T-40-a (NHTSA items SB601049) relating to brake problems. My Saturn was built in Aug 97. In my opinion it not normal that rotors warp and caused brake to pulsate. In accordance with your database I am not the only one having problem with the brake of my Saturn. This is a serious safety problem, if brake rotors warp easily & pulsate and cause the brake efficiency to decrease. May be contact me via E-mail at fournier@cois.on.ca. Thanks

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